Q: How do I get started?

A: I like to have a 15 minute complimentary phone conversation with a prospective client before we begin working together to ensure we are a good match.  In this conversation, I can answer any questions you might have about coaching and I can learn what you hope to achieve in the coaching relationship. If we both agree we are a good match, we will schedule our first session. I will send you a brief pre-work document and a coaching agreement to sign that will document the conditions of our working relationship.

Q: Do I need horse experience?

A: No prior horse experience is necessary. We will be working with horses on the ground in an enclosed area. We will not be riding horses.

Q: What ages do you work with?

A: Generally, I work with ages 10 and above. Because we are working with a large animal, I will need to have a discussion with the parents of minors before beginning work to ensure we are a good fit and they are able to follow instructions to keep themselves safe.

 Q: How do we meet and how frequently?

A: I conduct coaching sessions in person at a facility in Santa Barbara. I generally meet with new clients weekly or biweekly for one or two hour sessions. As we continue to work together, the sessions may become more widely spaced. You will receive directions to my facility once a session is scheduled.

Q: Do you work with groups of more than one?

A: Yes, I can work with groups of up to 8 individuals. The time and cost of group sessions will be adjusted based on the number of people in the group and the objectives of those attending. I often work with couples or family groups and can also create experiences for work teams.

 Q: How much does it cost?

A: Sessions cost $250 per hour. My principle objective is to help others, so if financial flexibility is needed, contact me to discuss.

 Q: How long will we work together?

A: The length of time I work with a client will vary client to client. My goal is to give you tools to use in your life so that ultimately we will no longer need to work together. Typically, I begin working with a new client on a weekly basis, then as the client determines, the sessions become more widely spaced.  

 Q: What is a session like?

A:  The session will begin with you choosing a horse (or donkey) to work with and we will talk a bit about the area of your life you would like to work on. After I do a short demonstration of safety issues and some of the mechanics of working with a horse on the ground, you will have your own interaction with the horse. We will then spend a bit more time talking and reflecting on what happened during your interaction with the horse and then you will have a bit more time to spend with the horse. In subsequent sessions, we will practice some of the concepts learned earlier and you may work with the same horse or a different horse.

Q: What if it is raining?

A: We have covered areas where we can work, so sessions will be held rain or shine.

Q: What do I wear?

A: We will be working outside in an open arena or a covered round pen that have sand footing.  You will want to wear comfortable clothes in which you can move comfortably and that you will not mind getting a little dirty.  The arena is uncovered so you may want sunscreen or a hat if it is a sunny day.  It is better not to wear sunglasses when working with a horse since they communicate through eyes, so a hat might be helpful if you are sensitive to the sun.  As far as shoes, boots of some kind are ideal, but any closed toe shoe such as tennis shoes will work.  You will want to wear a shoe that you can move in.

 Q: What results can I expect?

A: You can expect to become more proficient at understanding how your mind and body work together to create your experience of life. You can expect to learn a new way of relating to your life’s experiences to minimize areas of discomfort and have time to practice those new ways of relating with the calm and non-judgmental feedback from a horse. You can expect to walk away from our sessions with a personalized toolbox of methods to create a life of increased ease.